Sugar bowl

Status

Not on view

Label Text

Floral motifs executed in vibrant overglaze enamel pinks, oranges, and purples of the "famille rose" palette adorn a set of teawares believed to have been owned by Tobias Lear, George Washington's personal secretary and husband of Martha Washington's niece, Frances "Fanny" Dandridge. The decoration exemplifies the rococo style of romantic, florid decoration popular in Europe in the second half of the eighteenth century.

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Date1760-1780

Geography Made - China

Medium/TechniquePorcelain (hard-paste), enamel, gilt

DimensionsOverall (H x W x D): 2 1/2 in. x 4 3/4 in. x 4 3/4 in. (6.35 cm x 12.07 cm x 12.07 cm)

Credit LineGift of Louise Eyre, 1932

Object numberH-33/C

DescriptionSugar bowl with a plain rim on a high foot ring, decorated in overglaze polychrome enamels in the famille rose palette and gilt. Two sides of the bowl feature a bouquet of roses, chrysanthemums, and other flowers, tied with a ribbon at bottom, within a circular reserve outlined with gilded scroll border. A purple chrysanthemum and a pink rose are inserted between them on the remaining sides. Along the rim interior is a thin red line with pendant half-flower heads and buds in red and gilt and swags of pink and purple flowers and green foliage, while the center of the well features red foliage. The edge of the rim retains traces of gilt.

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